Fourth candidate joins Victoria mayoral race

By Friday, Henry Perez became the fourth candidate to file for the job.

Filing is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 1, at the city secretary's office, 107 W. Juan Linn St.

The race includes two-term incumbent Mayor Will Armstrong, 72; a 22-year-old political newcomer, Richard Andrew Deases; and a three-term councilman, Paul Polasek, 47.

Perez, 76, ran unsuccessfully for city council against former councilwoman Denise Rangel in 2009. He retired from Alcoa in 1995.

In a prepared statement, Perez said his platform is simple.

He is running to represent the taxpayers who drive on pothole-filled roads, underpaid police officers and firefighters and the nine families and nuns facing the sewer plant project on Odem Street at Hand Road.

"For all the people who are fed up with the free-spending on things that we don't need," Perez said.

Special Election

Victoria City Council will call a special election for District 3, currently represented by Paul Polasek, who is running for mayor. Once the special election is called Tuesday, candidates may file for that office at the city secretary's office through March 11. District 3 represents the northern quadrant of Victoria with a southern boundary at Sam Houston Drive.